This album is basically a live album of material recorded ‘across the universe’ between 1987 and 1993. The line up is as follows:
W. Axl Rose-Vocals/Piano
Slash-Guitars
Duff McKangen-Bass Guitar/Backing Vocals
Dizzy Reed-Piano/Keyboards
Izzy Stradlin-Guitars/Backing Vocals
Steven Adler-Drums
As well as additional musicians:
Matt Sorum-Drums (1990-1997)
Gilby Clarke-Guitars (1991-1994)
And a backing band containing:
Teddy Anderaids
Roberta Freeman
Tracey Amos
Cece Worrall
Anne King
Lisa Maxwell
I have chosen not to review this album track by track as it contains two discs, but review the ‘stand out’ tracks. The booklet that comes with the album contains some nifty pictures of the band at some early club gigs to massive shows like the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. As well as flyers and posters on the front and back of the album cover from early gigs.
The thing that I liked about this album was the variety of the songs on it. There is no certain era the bulk of the songs come from, and also you get to hear different versions of older songs, e.g. At the end section of ‘Rocket Queen’ there is a keyboard part. Or, during the solo in ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ there are bongos being played underneath. Though in my opinion, there are good and bad times of this. Something I didn’t like was during ‘Paradise City’ the women backing singers vocals annoy me or the intro into ‘November Rain’ was 3 minutes of just random piano playing by Axl, which yes gets you ‘in the mood’ but after a while you feel the urge to skip the intro to the 3 minute mark. But these could also be positive things as, why do you just want to hear the studio version with an audience? So they are making things more interesting, which is good.
In my opinion, the stand out tracks are:
Rocket Queen-This is obviously a later era track to be recorded. The song is busting with energy, and is different to the studio version. Some excellent guitar playing from Slash, including in the middle section an alternative solo with him using a (correct me if I’m wrong) a voice generator. As well as some nice bass fills from Duff too. The song is a huge increase in length from the album version but doesn’t get boring or tedious to listen too (Especially Slash’s’ new solo).
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door-A track from the Use Your Illusion II album, and a Bob Dylan cover. This song, I think, is from the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. Once again different to the studio version and contains a unexpected Reggae section. The bit I liked most about this track was how Axl gets the crowd to sing after him ‘Knock, Knock, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’, but the final time it always amazes me how loud the crowd are. This song contains some great drumming from Matt, and some amazing vocals from Axl.
Patience- One of the bands most famous songs from the G’n’R Lies album. Though this song, does stand out on the album (for positive reasons) there isn’t a lot to say about it. Though there is some good guitar work, and a different solo from Slash. But the thing I liked was after the solo when everything is quiet, the band changes instruments and there is now a bass guitar, a piano, electric guitars and even drums! Matt plays a pretty simple beat, while the bass just follows the guitars nicely with some decent fills from Duff. And the piano plays a strong but beautiful part.
It’s So Easy-From the Appetite For Destruction L.P. I have always been very fond of this song. This is probably the most energetic track of the album, and all the members play their parts exceptionally well, especially Duff and Slash. There are all some excellent vocals from Axl and I believe to be Izzy. One of the best tracks on the album.
There are also some other very good songs on the album, but I found that these stood out the most, along with the epic ballads ‘November Rain’ and its counter part ‘Estranged’ which are pulled off amazingly well. The album has more highs than lows but isn’t the most excellent, epic, super (you get the picture?) live album ever produced. I wouldn’t really recommend it to anyone who is new to the band, and if they were I’d say listen to the greatest hits first to get a range of the music first (even if it arguably doesn’t contain all their best songs). This album is more for, and I’ll use the word ‘experienced’ G’n’R fans. Also if you are massive fan of this band, and alike me never got to see them live because of whatever reason (I would have been about 4 years old in ‘93!) this is great way to hear and prove that they probably were one of the greatest live acts to ever grace rock n’ roll music.
